Google Health 5.11 expands activity detection to 100 workout types

The number of workout categories that Google’s health app can automatically identify has jumped from 10 to 100. Version 5.11, rolling out this week, marks a major shift in how the software processes movement data for Fitbit trackers and the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5.

The update is live now for owners of the Fitbit Air and the specified Pixel Watch models. The Fitbit Edge will receive the new detection capabilities when it hits the market on October 27. The expanded list covers a wide range of physical activities, including strength training, swimming, racket sports, and team sports. Google states that the new system uses contextual reasoning to analyze a user’s workout habits, historical records, and manual corrections. The company claims this approach makes activity detection nearly twice as accurate and reduces missed workout logs by more than half.

The app logs a session automatically when it reaches a minimum duration of 15 minutes and shows a sustained increase in heart rate. A summary of the activity typically appears in the Google Health app within 30 minutes. When a user confirms or edits a logged entry, the system uses that information to improve future predictions.

New tools are arriving for subscribers to Google Health Premium who own a Fitbit Air or Fitbit Edge. These users can now set up blood pressure and insulin resistance trend reports. The first of these reports are expected to be available in early November. Blood pressure trends will be visible to users who have worn a Fitbit Air for at least five consecutive days in October. Insulin resistance trends, which track monthly shifts in metabolic health, require seven or more days and nights of wear.

The update also refines how the app handles blood glucose data. The label "Blood glucose" has been changed to "Glucose" across the interface, accompanied by updated charts. Users can now set custom time-in-range goals for data from connected continuous glucose monitors. In the United States, Abbott’s Lingo device can now link directly to the app, with readings appearing within 30 minutes. Premium members can also ask the Google Health Coach questions about their glucose patterns.

Sleep tracking has been adjusted to account for step data, allowing the system to better capture short awakenings like a trip to the bathroom. Users can now delete a nap directly from the nap card if it does not reflect their day. The update is currently available on iOS devices and is still rolling out to Android users.